Russia's Supreme Court has instructed judges to crack down on biased media coverage ahead of the 2012 presidential elections.
"The courts must distinguish between the activities of media outlets to inform the electorate and the use of the mass media for pre-election propaganda," the court said in a statement.
The statement also said presents given to children of voters by presidential candidates could be classified as bribery.
International agencies have accused the Russian leadership of trying to muzzle the free press and clamping down on outspoken journalists.
MOSCOW, March 10 (RIA Novosti)
